Lipoprotein A (Lp-A)

Lipoprotein A (Lp-A) is a type of lipoprotein similar to LDL cholesterol but with an additional protein component called apolipoprotein(a). Elevated Lp-A levels are considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis, regardless of traditional lipid measures like LDL or HDL. This test is often used to assess genetic risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, especially in individuals with a family history of heart disease or when standard lipid profiles do not explain the risk. Measuring Lp-A can help refine cardiovascular risk assessments and guide more personalized treatment plans.